Sun Tzu – The Art Of War 1.5/1.6

5,6. The Moral Law causes the people to be in complete accord with their ruler, so that they will follow
him regardless of their lives, undismayed by any danger.

Sun Tzu, the ancient Chinese general and strategist, wrote “The Art of War,” a timeless classic on military strategy and tactics. One of the key teachings from this book is the concept of “The Moral Law,” one of the five constant factors that govern warfare. In this post, we will explore the importance of The Moral Law and its effects on the people and their leaders.

The Moral Law is the first of the five factors that Sun Tzu identified as essential for success in warfare. It refers to the principles and values that govern the behavior of an army. According to Sun Tzu, a strong moral foundation is necessary for an army to be successful. Loyalty, discipline, and courage are the key values that make up The Moral Law.

But The Moral Law does not only apply to armies. It also applies to the relationship between the people and their rulers. When the ruler follows The Moral Law, the people will be in complete accord with him. They will follow him regardless of their lives, undismayed by any danger.

In other words, The Moral Law can create a sense of unity and loyalty between the people and their ruler. When the ruler embodies the values of loyalty, discipline, and courage, the people will follow him willingly and without hesitation, even in the face of danger. This kind of unity and loyalty is essential for success not only in warfare but also in governance and leadership.

On the other hand, if the ruler does not follow The Moral Law, the people will not be in complete accord with him. They will not be willing to follow him and may even rebel against him. This can lead to unrest, chaos, and ultimately, the downfall of the ruler.

In conclusion, The Moral Law is a critical factor in success in warfare and in leadership in general. When leaders embody the values of loyalty, discipline, and courage, they can create a sense of unity and loyalty among their followers. This can lead to success in battle and in governance. When leaders do not follow The Moral Law, they risk losing the support of their people and facing rebellion and downfall. Therefore, it is essential for leaders to follow The Moral Law to ensure the loyalty and support of their people.